Beer Nut: Spring cleaning of local and other brew news

Spring is almost here, so it's time for a little vernal cleaning of the Beer Nut virtual desk:

• As a fan of both "Hamlet" and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (both melancholy Danes) I have long had an affinity for Denmark. And now I have a third reason: Mikkeller/Prairie American Style Ale. While the beer is an international collaboration Danish gypsy brewer Mikkeller, Prairie Artisan Ales of the U.S., it was brewed in Copenhagen.

Like Hamlet–and Kierkegaard to a certain extent–this beer has some biting bitterness. It's a juicy hop bomb, but not one without a solid malt framework. I had it at The Dirty Truth in Northampton last week, so I'm not sure if there will any left by the time you read this. I may have drunk it all.

• As I mentioned in a recent story, the Northampton Brewery has now reopened. After 10 weeks of being closed, the brewery's return is great news for local beer fans. I was really excited to see the new brewhouse, kitchen and rearranged Beer Garden. I'm even more excited about being able to get Blue Boots IPA in cans (starting in a week or two). Not because I need to drink it at home–I prefer going to the Brewery and having it on draft–but because it will allow me to share with others when I go to parties. I love showing pride in my locally made products and Blue Boots is one of the best.

• Also in local brewing news, Abandoned Building Brewery in Easthampton has been brewing and its beer should be showing up on taps and shelves any time now. Abandoned Building Brewery strives to use as much local and regional ingredients–including locally malted barley and wheat–as possible in its beers.

• Also a springtime ritual: Here is a heads-up that NERAX (the New England Real Ale Exhibition) is coming at the end of the month. The cask ale showcase will be held at a new venue this year: Aeronaut Brewing Co., 14 Tyler St. in Somerville.

The expo will serve over 100 firkins of real ale and cider, including more than 50 British beers from England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as 50-plus American beers, mostly from New England. All the beers are cask-conditioned and served by gravity or hand-pump. NERAX runs March 26-29, with a special "tutored tasting" event from 5 to 6 p.m. on March 27.

The regular festival times are 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 6 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday; noon to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. for the two Saturday sessions.